A Data-Informed Evaluation Framework for Improving Logistics Mode Selection in Cross-Border E-Commerce

Luyao Shen; Yujing Huang; Chong Eng Teo; Kok Onn Ooi; Zifeng Tian; Bao Ying Wan

doi:10.65773/tscr.2.1.139

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Information Fusion

Article Type: Research Articles

Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026)

Published: 27 February 2026

Pages: 75-105

Highlight

• A data-informed framework is developed for logistics mode selection in cross-border e-commerce.

• The framework combines expert judgment and numerical evaluation under specific business conditions. • Dedicated-line logistics is identified as the most suitable mode for the case platform.

• A supplementary overseas warehouse improves delivery flexibility for popular products. • Case implementation reduced annual logistics costs by 23% and customer complaints by nearly 50%.

How to Cite

Shen, L., Huang, Y., Teo, C. E., Ooi, K. O., Tian, Z., & Wan, B. Y. (2026). A Data-Informed Evaluation Framework for Improving Logistics Mode Selection in Cross-Border E-Commerce. Transnational Supply Chain Research, 2(1), 75-105. https://doi.org/10.65773/tscr.2.1.139

Authors

Luyao Shen ^{1, 2} ^*

,

Yujing Huang ³ ,

Chong Eng Teo ⁴ ,

Kok Onn Ooi ⁴ ,

Zifeng Tian ⁴ ,

Bao Ying Wan ⁵

¹ School of Continuing Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China

² Yamano Japanese Language School, Japan

³ Department of Fashion Creation, Bunka Fashion College, Japan

⁴ Warehouse Division, Ascendt Logistics Pte. Ltd., Singapore

⁵ Administration Division, Ascendt Logistics Pte. Ltd., Singapore

Abstract

With the rapid development of cross-border e-commerce, logistics mode selection has become an important factor affecting cost control, service efficiency, and customer experience in transnational supply chains. Cross-border e-commerce logistics involves fragmented orders, small shipment sizes, diverse destinations, high delivery-time requirements, and complex customs clearance procedures. These characteristics make it increasingly difficult for firms to rely on a single logistics mode or managerial experience alone. To support more systematic logistics mode selection, this study develops a data-informed evaluation framework that integrates the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. The analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the weights of influencing factors, while fuzzy comprehensive evaluation is applied to compare alternative basic logistics modes under specific business conditions. The framework is applied to an anonymized Japanese cross-border e-commerce platform selling small household appliances to the East China market. Four alternative logistics modes are evaluated: overseas warehouses, dedicated-line logistics, postal parcels, and outsourced international express delivery. The results show that dedicated-line logistics obtains the highest evaluation score, while overseas warehousing can serve as a supplementary option for popular products and demand fluctuations. To improve the transparency of the expert-informed evaluation, the framework incorporates AHP consistency testing, sensitivity analysis, and post-implementation triangulation with operational indicators. The study contributes to logistics mode selection research by showing how managerial judgment, numerical calculation, and operational evidence can be combined to support logistics mode formulation under a clearly defined product-market context, while empirical rankings require context-specific interpretation.

Keywords:

cross-border e-commerce, logistics mode selection, data-informed evaluation framework, analytic hierarchy process, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation

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